Month: January 2024

MIRRORING DR ERNEST AFOLABI UMAKHIHE – EDO APC’s FINEST BRIDE FOR GOVERNORSHP

By By Dr Omo Odigie, (writes from Benin City)‘

Benin City (Flowerbudnews): ‘Calm’, ‘humble’, ‘calculated’ and a ‘goal-focused’ are words that attempt to define the personality of Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, the APC’s frontline aspirant for Edo Governorship.

Where he to be in any other major political party, they would adopt his candidacy effortlessly as their consensus choice. Notwithstanding, the APC as always will still run its full democratic process.

By Dr Umakhihe’s pedigree, it behoves the APC, however, to ‘honour its prophet in his homeland’ and thus not hesitate to adopt him as a consensus candidate for the next Edo governorship election. That will be in full accord with the present dynamics which is before it.

For now, the clamour for the APC to make a choice of Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe as its choice gubernatorial candidate is sounding clearer and louder by the day from in and outside of the party – voices of the vulnerable, the privileged, young professionals across all fields and even from the usually conservative old guard! They are all routing for the bureaucrat who just left the civil service of the federation as a permanent secretary after 35 years of meritorious service to the nation.

Of a truth, Dr Umakhihe’s pedigree and life style stands him out exceptionally. Since about 30 years ago of personal knowledge of him, he has been a peoples’ person, and his good works and values far predate his emergence into limelight and are devoid of any ulterior motives or political colourations. That is just who he is!

Ernest Umakhihe’s is ever willing to help and he ever puts others first; he is very accessible to all, even when he rose to the zenith of his professional career as permanent secretary. He is ever in touch with the reality of the people hence all fondly call him the “Grassroots Mobilizer” and the real “Homeboy”.

A totally de-tribalised Nigerian, he is from the Owan clan by divine providence and also a direct descendant of the great Oba Ozolua of Benin Kingdom. He attended Edo College and the University of Benin, both in Benin City. As an Owan man, he shares ancestry with the Etsakos and the Akoko Edos, both politically grouped as Edo North.

His closely bonded wife, Florence hails from Esanland, precisely from Uromi in Edo Central – the land of the two great political leaders of blessed memory – Chief Anthony Enahoro and Chief Tony Anenih.

It is salutary to note that as a federal permanent secretary and in his private capacities, Dr Umakhihe had facilitated visible projects in all three senatorial districts of Edo State, where life has now become better for the people. He is a sure bet for continuity in responsible governance.

No doubt, Dr Umakhihe will engender a fresh hope amongst the people and inject the fresh blood that is urgently needed to purposefully govern Edo state and bring her to he Canaan.(Flowerbudnews)

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January 23, 2024
Association lauds Enugu Govt for empowering 150 PWDs

By Flowerbudnews
Enugu: The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has lauded Enugu State Government for empowering no fewer than 150 Persons With Disability (PWDs) in the state.

The Chairman of JONAPWD Enugu State Chapter, Mr Onyebuchi Mba, gave the commendation in an appreciation letter made available to newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday.

Mba said that the Enugu State Government through the NG-CARES grant under the Enugu State Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) center gave an empowerment of N70,000 to 150 PWDs within few months now.

According to him, this significant intervention aims to enhance the businesses of the citizens and promote self-reliance within our PWD community.

“We wish to express our profound gratitude to His Excellency, Gov. Peter Mbah, for his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and support for the empowerment of persons with disabilities.

“The visionary leadership demonstrated by Gov. Mbah has made a tangible and positive impact on the lives of our members, and we are deeply thankful for his dedication to improving the welfare and livelihoods of persons with disabilities in our state.

“Our sincere appreciation also goes to the Head of Enugu SME centre, Mr Arinze Chilo-Offiah, for the impeccable execution of this empowerment initiative.

“Chilo-Offiah’s dedication to implementing the “tomorrow is here” ideology of our dear governor through inclusivity has been instrumental in ensuring the successful disbursement of the NG-CARES grant to the disability community.

“We commend his efforts, integrity and commitment to the empowerment and economic development of persons with disabilities in Enugu State,” he said.

The chairman noted that as beneficiaries of the NG-CARES grant, the association encourages all members of the disability community to utilize the funds for the intended purpose, “which is to enhance their businesses, foster self-realization, and promote independent living”.

Mba said that it was imperative that the grant be leveraged to create sustainable and thriving business ventures that would contribute to the economic growth of the state.

“We trust that our members will utilize this opportunity to fulfill their entrepreneurial aspirations,” he added. (Flowerbudnews)

January 23, 2024
NYSC Coordinator canvasses for corps members’ welfare, security during elections in Enugu

By Flowerbudnews

Enugu:The Coordinator, National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Enugu State, Mrs Christiana Salmwang, has canvassed for the safety and welfare of corps members in the state during the forthcoming re-run election.

Salmwang made the appeal, on Tuesday in Enugu during the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting for the forthcoming re-run election scheduled to be held Feb.3, 2024.

She pleaded with the security agencies to give high priority to the security of corps members who would play critical roles during the re-run election as electoral officers.

The state coordinator emphasised the importance of the welfare of corps members with regards to prompt payment of their election allowances so as to encourage and motivate them to put in their best and participate in future election assignments.

The meeting was called to update participants of preparation for the court-ordered Federal and State constituency elections in Udenu/Igbo-Eze North Federal Constituency and Enugu South 1 State constituency elections as well as the strategy to make the election successful.

The meeting, which was held at INEC headquarters in Enugu had in attendance the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Enugu State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, Heads of Security Agencies in the State, and other stakeholders. (Flowerbudnews)

January 23, 2024
How Oyo-Ita used her coys to launder funds while in service-EFCC witness

Abuja: Mr Hamma-Adama Bello, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s witness, has told a Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja how Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, immediate-past Head of Service (HoS), used her companies to launder government’s funds while in service.

Bello, a Chief Superintendent of EFCC and Head, Special Investigation Team (SIT), told Justice James Omotosho on Tuesday in Abuja when testifying as 8th prosecution witness (PW8).

The PW8, while being led in evidence by the EFCC’s lawyer, Farouk Abdullah, said his team received an intelligence from the office of the anti-graft agency’s chairman sometimes in 2019.

“The intelligence bordered on the activities of the 1st defendant (Oyo-Ita), her minister then in the Ministry of Special Duty and Inter-Governmental Affairs where she was serving.

“The 1st defendant was the permanent secretary then, and other staff that include Mr Ubong, the 7th defendant.
“The team developed intelligence and started the investigation.

“In the course of the investigation, we called for documents.
“The nature of the intelligence was such that the 1st and 7th defendants and a host of others were using their office to get contracts for companies they incorporated or have interest in,” he said.
The witness said the team invited Oyo-Ita and her Special Assistant, Ubong Effiok, having received an analysed documents relating to the intelligence.
“The team had an interaction with them and in the cause of the interaction, Mr Garba Umar, who is also the 4th defendant became a person of interest for the investigation and he was invited. We also had an interaction with him,” he said.
According to him, it was discovered that the 1st defendant was the beneficial owner of two companies; Frontline Ace Global Services Limited and Asanaya Projects Ltd.
“We also discovered that the 1st defendant also has interest in Asanaya Farms Ltd,” he added.
Bello told the court that investigation revealed that Oyo-Ita maintained two accounts in Zenith Bank Plc for Frontline Ace Global Services Limited.
Besides, he said it was discovered that the ex-HoS had severally sat as chairman, CEO of Frontline Ace Global Services ltd where she issued both resolutions to open the said accounts.
“Having analysed these two board resolutions issued by 1st defendant, the team realised that the 1st defendant is the beneficial owner of the accounts.
“We carried out a careful analysis of the account she was closing and came to a conclusion that about N124 million has passed through this account.
“We realised that there were payments in 2010 from Federal Ministry of Power into the account and other agencies like Power Holding Company of Nigeria (when it was a government’s agency).

“These payments were from government coffers while she was serving as a deputy director in the same ministry,” he told the court.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until Jan. 26 for continuation of trial.
The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that Oyo-Ita and her co-defendants were, on Jan. 18, 2023, arraigned by the anti-graft agency on an 18-count charge of N3 billion graft.
She was arraigned alongside her Special Assistant, Effiok; Frontline Ace Global Services Limited; Asanaya Projects Ltd; Garba Umar and his companies, Slopes International Ltd and Gooddeal Investments Ltd.
Other defendants include U & U Global Services Ltd, belonging to Mr Effiok, and Prince Mega Logistics Ltd.
They were all arraigned for alleged fraud in relation to duty tour allowance (DTA), estacodes, conference fees and receiving kickbacks on contracts.
The defendants all pleaded not guilty to the charge.
NAN reports that Oyo-Ita and her co-defendants were earlier being tried before Justice Taiwo Taiwo of a sister court before he retired in July 2022.

They were arranged before Justice Taiwo on March 23, 2020 on same count charge.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)/ Flowerbudnews

January 23, 2024
Betta Edu Counsels Supporters Against Protest, Expresses Confidence in Pres Tinubu’s Initiated Investigative Process

By Biola Lawal
Abuja (Flowerbudnews): Dr. Betta Edu, the Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has expressed confident in the investigative process instituted by President Bola Tinubu over allegations in the ministry.

A statement by her spokesman, Rasheed Olanrewsju Zubair also expressed Dr. Edu’s thanks to her supporters for their show of love, compassion and goodwill during these trying times.

She however, expressed disapproval for any planned protest or road walks over her plight, warning that such move could easily be misconstrued as an attempt to pre-empt the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

”Dr Betta Edu remains committed and confident in the investigative process instituted by President Bola Tinubu and is cooperating fully with relevant authorities,” the statement however, stated.

The statement read:
”Following recent developments, we would like to thank various stakeholders for their immense support since the unfortunate chain of events at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

The Minister has however been made aware of several efforts by individuals, supporters, and others to organize public prayers, road walks, and or protests to show public support.

We wish to use this medium to state that such efforts are not approved by her or any member of her team and should be discontinued forthwith because such efforts –

No matter how noble the intent, could be seen as an attempt to pre-empt the outcome of the investigations, or can be highjacked by nefarious persons with ulterior motives.

We kindly request that those with such plans should show their support by respecting the process and await the official findings and conclusions.

Your understanding and cooperation are highly appreciated at this time. She is indeed grateful for the overwhelming support from Nigerians across all strata of society especially those most dear to her heart; the Poor and vulnerable.

By God’s Grace, she will be back to continue her selfless service to humanity, especially to the poorest of the poor whose prayers have kept her strong thus far! (Flowerbudnews)

January 23, 2024
Indian Investment in Nigerian Economy Hits $27 Billion Dollar – Minister

By Biola Lawal
Abuja (Flowerbudnews): India has become Nigeria’s major economic partner with an investment of about $27 billion dollars in the Nigerian economy,.

This was disclosed by visiting Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr. Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar while speaking at the 6th India-Nigeria Joint Commission in Abuja on Monday.

Dr. Jaishankar said that in addition, the investments had an annual trade turnover of between$13 to $15 billion dollars.

The Minister also disclosed that there were about ”130 Indian companies who have really put their economic future, struck roots in this country (Nigeria), to a point where actually they have become one of the largest employers in this country.”

He commended the India – Nigeria Joint Commission, noting that it would further strengthen the relationship between the two countries which he noted, had moved from traditional level to strategic partnership.

”I think there is a very, very strong foundation on which we would be building, but certainly we would be discussing how our experiences and the changes in each other’s countries and in the world, in the last few years can feed into the Joint Commission so that our relationship, even as it grows today, is able to realize the possibilities of the future in a much more effective manner.

He expressed happiness to be in Nigeria saying;
”It gives me immense pleasure to be here in Abuja today, to co-chair with my colleague, the Minister, the sixth Joint Commission Meeting between our two countries.

He expressed appreciation ”for the warm hospitality, for all the arrangements that have been made and Minister personally to you, for motivating me and I would say encouraging me to come here today to Abuja; and it is something we discussed when you were in New Delhi and I am very glad today that I was able to follow up on it.

Dr. Jaishankar stated further:

India and Nigeria, as you have just heard from the Minister, we share a long-standing and friendly relationship which is really rooted in history in many ways.

We are the largest democracies of the world and as the Minister said, we are leaders in our own continents as well. And our relationship really with contemporary Nigeria dates back, we had a diplomatic presence even before the formal establishment of your independence.

But in recent years, this has been renewed by contacts between our leaderships and today I bring the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President Excellency Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to members of his administration as well.

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Now, while there have been strong contacts and many conversations between our leadership, I think what underpins us, what really creates a bond is not just that we are pluralistic societies and successful democracies, but because today we have administrations in the two countries who really follow through on the belief that no one should be left behind.

And it is this inclusive approach, inclusive within the country, inclusive where the rest of the world is concerned, which I think creates a strong bonding between us and allows us to work so closely in international organizations.

I would also like to recall at this time that last year we had the privilege of chairing the G20, and it was natural for us that Nigeria should be invited to participate in the G20 proceedings.

We were extremely honored to have President Tinubu visit India for the Leaders’ Summit in September. And since then and before that, we’ve actually had a steady set of visits.

Our Defense Minister was here for the inauguration of the administration. And I certainly hope that my visit would continue that tradition and keep high-level contacts strong.

The Minister also referred to the fact that our relationship has evolved from being historical friends to becoming strategic partners.

I think many of you know that today the term strategic partnership is laden with a lot of meaning, with a lot of content and with a lot of promise. So when we look ahead at what is the working of the Joint Commission, I think we will be guided very much by that.

I came in yesterday to Lagos. I spent a very fruitful day there. I met with members of the Indian community. I had an opportunity to address the leading think tank of Nigeria, but also to spend time with investors from India, who have great experience and really very good sentiments for this country and for the relationship.

So when I today come into this Joint Commission, I want to say that I carry a lot of practical knowledge even from that brief stay in Lagos.

Once again, Minister, my very deep gratitude for the warmth of your welcome and for all the arrangements which our colleagues on this table have made today for the meeting of the Joint Commission.(Flowerbudnews)

January 23, 2024
BREAKING: Governor declares 24-hour curfew in Plateau LG

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has declared a 24-hour curfew on the Mangu Local Government Area of the state with immediate effect.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere.

He said the decision followed the deteriorating security situation in the area.

The statement read in the part, “Governor Mutfwang took the decision after consultations with the relevant security agencies.

He stated that only persons on essential duties are allowed to move within the local government area until further notice.

He urged all citizens, especially residents of Mangu Local Government Area, to comply with the directive and assist the security personnel by providing reliable information to restore peace and order in the area.

“He lamented that some people are still determined to create an atmosphere of insecurity in the state, despite the government’s efforts to end the activities of terrorist elements.

He stated that only persons on essential duties are allowed to move within the local government area until further notice.

He expressed his sympathy to the families of the victims and the injured and assured them that the government will not relent in ensuring lasting peace in the state.

“He promised that the curfew will be reviewed as soon as the security situation improves

January 23, 2024
Kanu: Supreme Court releases judgment CTC

The Supreme Court has released the Certified True Copy of the judgment on the suit between the Federal Government and the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

The apex court had, on December 15, 2024, set aside a judgment by the lower court that dismissed the terrorism charges against Kanu.

The appeal court had exonerated Kanu following an infringement on his fundamental human rights by the Federal Government.

The Supreme Court, although berated the actions of the government, ruled that Kanu must continue his trial.

The lead counsel for IPOB, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, in an interview with our correspondent, had lamented that 37 days after judgment was delivered on the matter, the legal team had yet to receive the certified true copy of the judgment.

Similarly, Kanu’s family on Sunday decried the delay by the apex court in releasing the CTC of the judgment to his lawyers.

However, in a post on X formerly known as Twitter on Monday night, a member of the IPOB leader’s legal team, Aloy Ejimakor, disclosed that the CTC of the judgment had been released to them.

noted that the apex court also promised to transmit the case file to the Federal High Court.

“Today, the Supreme Court released the CTC of its judgment in ‘The Federal Republic of Nigeria versus Nnamdi Kanu’. The Court also promised to transmit the case file to the Federal High Court by tomorrow. Sooner than later, we shall lock horns at the Federal High Court to #FreeMNK,” he said.

In 2015 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Kanu was first arrested.

He was subsequently granted bail in April 2017 and fled the country after an invasion of his home in Afara-Ukwu, near Umuahia, Abia State, by the Nigerian military in September 2017.

In June 2021 Kanu was re-arrested in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria.

He was then tried at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

January 23, 2024
BREAKING: Police teargas 16 sacked Plateau PDP lawmakers

Armed policemen, on Tuesday, teargassed the 16 Peoples Democratic Party members of the Plateau State House of Assembly who were sacked by the Court of Appeal.

The lawmakers had arrived at the Rayfield Old Government House in Jos on Tuesday morning alongside their supporters preparatory to their resumption of plenary when the incident happened

The policemen and other security operatives took over the premises of the Government House and prevented the sacked lawmakers from going into the chambers of the House of Assembly but the lawmakers had vowed not to vacate the premises.

Details later…

January 23, 2024